News From Space!

Now them’s some fireworks! We saw a beautiful launch, with Discovery ascending to orbit right on time, in bright, sunny weather. NASA PAO said, “…Liftoff of the space shuttle Discovery — returning to the space station, paving the way for future missions and beyond!” NASA reports:

Rocket’s Red Glare!
With a rocket’s red glare, Space Shuttle Discovery lifted off from Kennedy Space Center in a spectacular display of sound and light befitting of Independence Day.

Commanded by Steven Lindsey, Discovery and its crew of seven astronauts roared from Launch Pad 39B to begin a 15,000-mph chase to rendezvous with the International Space Station.

As Discovery raced into the bright blue sky, cheers and applause erupted across Kennedy and along the nearby beaches of Florida’s Space Coast. Today’s successful launch came on the third try after the first two attempts to launch were dashed by poor weather.

Now under way, Discovery and its crew set their sights on a mission to deliver equipment, supplies and an additional crewmember to the station. While docked, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as make repairs to the station.

Watch KSC’s media site for pics and video. There will be a post-launch news conference at 4PM EDT. Check the links at right for play-by-play and NASA TV.

Discovery’s crew is headed to Pad 39B for today’s launch. NASA reports:

Discovery Crew Suits Up - 10:30 a.m. Update
The Discovery crewmembers had an early morning wake-up call and ate their traditional launch-day breakfast at the Operations and Checkout Building. Commander Steven Lindsey and two crewmembers attended a briefing with flight controllers to discuss details on weather conditions at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in addition to alternate landing site availability.

Later they joined their crewmates and the entire flight team donned orange flight suits that contain an oxygen supply, communications equipment and a temperature control system. The suits also offer protection in the event of an emergency. After suiting up, the astronauts will make their way out of their quarters to a vehicle waiting to take them to Launch Pad 39B.

Currently, there is an 80-percent chance of favorable weather forecasted for launch time. If the weather cooperates, Discovery will liftoff at 2:38 p.m. for the International Space Station and be the first Independence Day launch of a space shuttle!

+ Mission Management Team’s decision to go for launch today
+ Watch NASA TV
+ NASA Launch Blog

NASA TV will broadcast a Post-launch News Conference with senior managers, about an hour after launch.
+ STS-121 Shuttle Mission TV Schedule

Liftoff is scheduled for 2:38PM EDT today. Check the links at right for play-by-play and NASA TV.

It’s on! If the weather holds up, this will be the first manned space launch on Independence Day. NASA reports:

Discovery’s a “Go” for Independence Day
After analysis of available data, the Mission Management Team has given a “go” for Tuesday’s launch of Space Shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station.

During a routine inspection Sunday night after the draining of the external fuel tank, a crack was discovered in the foam near a bracket that holds the liquid oxygen feedline in place. It is believed that the rain experienced during Sunday’s launch attempt caused water to run down the feedline and form ice near the top of the strut next to the feedline bracket. As the tank warmed and expanded, the ice that formed most likely pinched the foam on the top of the strut, causing a crack and eventual loss of the small piece of foam. The Mission Management Team met Monday at 6:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the results of the information before making a final decision regarding Tuesday’s launch attempt.

Extensive analysis showed that the area around the crack is intact and there is no concern for heating as there is adequate foam in place on the strut. Additional borescope inspection of the tank revealed that the bracket has no cracks.

Currently, there is a 60 percent chance of favorable launch weather for Tuesday and a 40 percent chance of favorable weather for Wednesday according to Air Force First Lt. Kaleb Nordgren of the 45th Weather Squadron. If the weather cooperates this will be the first Independence Day launch of a space shuttle!

Evening Briefing Materials:
Briefing Video: + Windows | + Real
Borescope images of the external tank foam:
Image 1: + High-Res | + Low-Res
Image 2: + High-Res | + Low-Res

Afternoon Briefing Materials::
Briefing Video: + Windows | + Real
Gallery: + View Images

Live Coverage
NASA TV coverage of the launch and live countdown updates from NASA’s Launch Blog will begin on Tuesday, July 4, at 8:30 a.m. EDT.
+ Watch NASA TV
+ NASA Launch Blog

NASA TV will broadcast a Post-launch News Conference with senior managers, about an hour after launch.
+ STS-121 Shuttle Mission TV Schedule

Liftoff is scheduled for 2:38PM EDT today. Check the links at right for play-by-play and NASA TV.

Enjoy, and remember what we are celebrating. I couldn’t sleep, so I watched Marooned and Independence Day on TV.